The sexy new Volkswagen Scirocco is not even on sale yet, but it will still take on the one of the meanest race tracks in the world.

VW has decided to boost the profile of the sleek coupe by entering three extreme versions in the grueling Nurburgring 24 Hours race.

Three works racing versions of the new coupe, each powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine developing 224kW and DSG dual-clutch sequential automatic will tackle the famous ‘Nordschleife’ track on May 24 and 25.

The move comes after Lexus announced it would run a prototype version of its new LF-A supercar at the same race.

The Scirocco, which will go on sale in Europe late this year and is due in Australia late next year or early 2009, has already competed in an endurance race at Germany’s Oschersleben track in what was effectively a shakedown.

Double Le Mans winner Hans Stuck drove the Scirocco at Oschersleben and is looking forward to racing it at The Ring: “I felt immediately comfortable in the car,” Stuck said.

“The Scirocco is one of the most uncomplicated racing cars I have ever driven. It’s really fun, and I am looking forward to the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife with even greater anticipation.”

Other legends to drive the car include double World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz and endurance racers Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping.

Last year a Golf GTI won its class and finished eighth overall at the Nürburgring.

“The racing version of the Scirocco was developed and prepared by our technical staff in record time,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, “We are well on schedule now that we have successfully completed this first endurance test”

 The Nürburgring 24 Hours has established itself as the world’s toughest car race since its launch in 1970. A grid of 220 cars is allowed to take the start, with more than 700 drivers scheduled to compete in front of in excess of 200,000 trackside spectators.